The main question of this thesis is: how did the Herlaars
acquire their position in the Dutch river area and manage to maintain it for
a long time, and what served as the basis of power? The concept of
'maatschappelijk vermogen', introduced by Schmidt in 1986, is used to
describe the position and power of the Herlaars.
The focus of this research is pointed to the Herlaars with their extensive
possessions in the Dutch River area. The development of power as described
provides an image of power and also answers the question how the Herlaars
managed to maintain their position. The Herlaars seem to have been very aware
of both the opportunities and the threats offered by the geopolitical
ambitions of these great lords.
In the second quarter of the 14th century the Herlaars managed to acquire
seigneurial rights and substantial houses in the border area of the territory
of Gelre and Brabant. However, this property was not used by the Herlaars to
consolidate or gain a position in the territory of the landlords, or to
acquire even more possessions. My research shows that the Herlaars were no
border lords but something more humble, noblemen living on the border.